Live

Highlights on Off The Ball

02:00 PM-06:00 PM

Highlights on Off The Ball
Advertisement
Soccer

Mick Cooke: "What business would ignore someone like Brian Kerr?"

Former Ireland's women's and Drogheda United manager Mick Cooke believes the football authorities...



Mick Cooke: "What business...
Soccer

Mick Cooke: "What business would ignore someone like Brian Kerr?"

Former Ireland's women's and Drogheda United manager Mick Cooke believes the football authorities in Ireland should tap into the knowledge and expertise of Brian Kerr.

Cooke joined Newstalk's Team 33 for an in-depth chat about his own career as well as his thoughts on issues within the League of Ireland.

One that he discussed with us was the idea of the FAI working more closely with experienced people like ex-Ireland boss Kerr.

The latter had spoken strongly about the recent announcement of €5,000 being made available to domestic clubs for "strategic planning" for example.

Cooke believes that the fact that Kerr has managed in the League of Ireland, led the underage national sides to success as well as having a spell in charge of the Boys in Green would make him an ideal candidate when it comes to leading reforms in Irish soccer. 

"We need someone like Brian Kerr to lead it. He's been there, been to the top and acquitted himself very, very well. To me over the last 20 years, he's been the best around," said Cooke.

"To think that he's been ignored is incredible and even to give him the job as director of football [would be good] after being national manager, done a very good job, won the underage championships at under-16 and under-18 and he's being ignored by the FAI. 

"What business would ignore someone like him? Business is run as a business and now you have the best man in the football world being ignored in my opinion in Ireland. We're ignoring all his knowledge at every level. It's not that he came in and was just managing the premier team. He did all the way through from underage all the way to the top."

Listen to the full interview on the podcast player or stream for free on iTunes:

Also after our bit of good news at the PPI Radio Awards, we wanted to say thanks to our listeners for tuning in over the last two and a half years. You've made it worthwhile.

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.


Read more about

Soccer